Is A Bilirubin Reading Of 0.48 Ml/dl A Symptom Of Pancreas Disease?

Posted on Fri, 10 Jun 2016

Question: High. I performed a blood test and it says my direct bilirubin is high (0.48 ml/dl) and so is the total bilirubin. The other tests for liver are fine. Do I have to worry about a liver or pancreas disease?

Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
unlikely if other liver enzymes are normal

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is understandable to concerned about any changes in blood values but if liver disease was present the other liver enzymes would be abnormal.

Liver enzymes are also elevated in many conditions affecting the pancreas as well.

Though these tests are called liver enzymes , they are released from other areas of the body including the pancreas.

Normal lab ranges can vary slightly from one lab to the next. The normal lab values for direct bilirubin for some labs is 0.1 to 0.4. If this is similar to your lab, it would mean that your reading is 0.08 higher than the upper limit which would not be considered significant.

Summary:Since the other liver lab values are normal, liver and pancreatic disease is unlikely but if you can still concerned then you can repeat in a few weeks to see if there is any change

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (24 minutes later)

Thanks. In fact, other liver enzymes are good, just in the middle of the lab range. BTW lab range for direct bilirubin is up to 0,3.
Also, I was under big -I mean BIG- stress and anxiety those days; I didn't eat well or enough food (I lost 3kgs in 3 weeks because of that) and taking pills to sleep (zolpidem hemitrate, 10mg), and I was a little bit dehydrated too (my urea level was a bit high too, but just .4). Could it emotional situation be related with the high bilirubin? should I avoid certain foods, pills or drinks?

Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
no particular recommended diet

Detailed Answer:
HI

Sorry about the late reply

Stress typically can affect cortisol steroid levels and possibly other hormones but should not typically affect the bilirubin levels

Bilirubin is formed as a result of the breakdown of blood and then taken to the liver.
This process should not be affected by emotional or physical stress

In terms of foods, there is no particular diet that would help the liver to work well or lower bilirubin but a general healthy diet with a wide range of fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate supply of vitamins and minerals is recommended.

Please feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (9 minutes later)

Thank you for your time and kindness.
Best regards from Chile, South XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
no problem

Detailed Answer:
If anything else unclear, can let me know

Blessings

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar